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Stoke finished 13 last term, 17 points behind seventh-placed Everton, but had been in the top 10 for the three previous campaigns.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes picture in his Chelsea days in 1997. (Image: Allsport UK /Allsport)

Duberry has been pleased but not surprised to see his former Chelsea teammate Mark Hughes emerge as one of the Premier League’s most experienced managers.

He said: “When Sparky was a player, he didn’t say much but when he did everyone stood up and paid attention. I knew he’d be good as a manager, I’m glad he’s had longevity and a lot of success because he was always one of the players I looked up to. Massive name, massive player, he had a lot of time for young kids.”

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Stoke head to Manchester City tomorrow searching for their first away win of the season – but they have already taken four points from the ‘big six’ at home, beating Arsenal and drawing with Manchester United.

Duberry said: “Stoke is a horrible place to go because the fans are like a 12th man, they make it difficult for people to go there.

“It’s always one of the noisiest stadiums and when it’s windy it’s hard to play there. But just keeping up with Stoke is hard work. They’re honest players and the fans represent that. Teams need to play a different style, it’s not Tony Pulis’ robust team, they’re a Mark Hughes footballing team.”

Mark Hughes looks on as Stoke City beat Southampton at the Bet365 Stadium.

It’s now four years since Duberry hung up his boots but he is still finding some of skills useful in a very different environment.

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He said: “I love the social element of poker. You can’t let someone get to you and that’s something I used to do on the football field. I never used to let someone get to that point where they know I’m tired, fazed or upset.

“The skills and the learning aspect of being in control of your emotions, it’s always helped me on the football field because it’s always allowed me to be in control.”

Michael Duberry was speaking at the PokerStars Festival Dublin Main Event. For more information visit www.pokerstars.com